2 suspects nabbed, 7 still at large in Laguna fatal hazing incident —police

Seven suspects in the hazing incident in Kalayaan, Laguna, that killed 18-year-old Raymark "RR" Rabutazo, a neophyte of Tau Gamma Phi, remain at large, the police said Wednesday.

Interviewed on GMA News’ Unang Balita, Kalayaan Police chief Police Lieutenant Erico Bestid Jr. said two other suspects were arrested on Tuesday.

“Actually, nakapag-inquest na po tayo kahapon. Identified na natin yung dalawa, arrested po natin yung dalawang suspek. At large po ngayon is pito,” he said.

(Actually, we have already conducted inquest proceedings yesterday. Two suspects were identified and arrested. Seven are currently at large)

Two fraternity officials Reyvince Espaldon and Venzon Benedict Lacaocao have been presented for inquest at the prosecutor's office in the province for homicide and violation of anti-hazing law charges.

Remil Rabutazo, the victim’s father, said at least 23 fraternity members were present at the hazing venue — some of them their relatives.

According to Bestid, the involved persons in the hazing are students and out-of-school youth. He said their school has no liability because the concerned fraternity chapter is community-based and not school-based.

On March 20, Rabutazo’s grandmother went to the police station to report that his grandson, who was brought to the Gen. Cailles Hospital, sustained injuries during the fraternity's initiation rites, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Tuesday.

The victim was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Based on initial investigation, the hazing took place in a mountainous area in Barangay San Juan in Kalayaan, Laguna, according to the PNP. —KBK, GMA News